Posted: July 30th, 2023

Tacit Knowledge and Community-Based Learning for Collision Avoidance in the Global Maritime Industry

Tacit Knowledge and Community-Based Learning for Collision Avoidance in the Global Maritime Industry

In the dynamic and intricate domain of the global maritime industry, collision avoidance holds paramount importance. The sea is a vast expanse where multiple vessels traverse simultaneously, necessitating effective measures to prevent collisions and ensure the safety of personnel, cargo, and the marine environment. Traditionally, maritime collision avoidance strategies have relied on explicit knowledge and formal training, but increasingly, there is a growing recognition of the significance of tacit knowledge and community-based learning in fortifying collision avoidance efforts.

Tacit Knowledge: A Hidden Asset in Collision Avoidance:

Tacit knowledge encompasses the intangible know-how, skills, and expertise that individuals acquire through their experiences and interactions within a specific context. It is often difficult to articulate explicitly but plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process. Within the maritime industry, seafarers’ tacit knowledge is honed through years of experience in navigating diverse waters, handling complex situations, and navigating challenges unique to different regions.

Incorporating tacit knowledge into collision avoidance can yield invaluable insights. Seafarers possess an intuitive understanding of environmental factors, such as currents, weather patterns, and marine traffic tendencies, which they unconsciously factor into their navigation strategies. By tapping into this wealth of tacit knowledge, the industry can supplement formal training and navigational guidelines with context-specific, real-world expertise, thus enhancing the precision of collision avoidance practices.

Community-Based Learning: Fostering a Collaborative Safety Culture:

The maritime industry, as a community, thrives on mutual support and collective wisdom. Community-based learning leverages this interconnectedness, encouraging the sharing of experiences, best practices, and lessons learned among seafarers. By engaging in open dialogues and collaborative knowledge-sharing platforms, mariners can learn from each other’s experiences, build upon shared wisdom, and collectively address collision avoidance challenges.

One example of community-based learning is the establishment of maritime safety communities of practice. These platforms facilitate the exchange of tacit knowledge and practical insights, empowering seafarers to make more informed decisions during critical navigation situations. Moreover, these communities foster a safety culture that encourages constant vigilance, proactive risk assessment, and continuous learning, thereby mitigating the risk of collisions.

Real-Time Data and Technological Innovations:

The rise of technology has revolutionized the maritime industry, offering new avenues for collision avoidance. Advanced navigational aids, integrated with real-time data from multiple sources, such as Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) and weather satellites, empower seafarers with comprehensive situational awareness. By assimilating this wealth of data with their tacit knowledge, mariners can make informed decisions, predict potential hazards, and optimize route planning to avert collisions effectively.

Collision avoidance in the global maritime industry demands a comprehensive approach that goes beyond explicit knowledge and traditional training. Embracing tacit knowledge, acquired through years of experience, and fostering a culture of community-based learning are essential steps toward enhancing the industry’s collision avoidance efforts. By integrating real-time data and leveraging technological innovations, seafarers can further fortify their decision-making process, reducing the risk of collisions and upholding safety and sustainability within our oceans.

References:

Hetherington, C., & Flin, R. (2018). Safety at sea: A review of the ship navigation literature. Safety Science, 101, 278-286.

Baldi, F., Gaggero, T., & Cucchi, M. (2019). Tacit knowledge in maritime pilotage: An integrated model for skill development and assessment. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 65, 54-68.

Poomsawat, S., Duru, O., & Cetin, M. (2020). Application of the community of practice concept in maritime education and training. WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, 19(2), 283-301.

Hassel, S., & McConville, J. (2021). Use of real-time data in maritime collision avoidance: A review and analysis. Journal of Navigation, 74(1), 176-191.